Why do weather forecasters seem to have so much trouble forecasting snow

From FIS Freestyle wiki

Snow forecasts are better than they used to be and they continue to improve, but snow forecasting remains one of the more difficult challenges for meteorologists.

One reason is that for many of the more intense snows, the heaviest snow amounts fall in surprisingly narrow bands that are on a smaller scale than observing networks and forecast zones.

Also, extremely small temperature differences that define the boundary line between rain and snow make night-and-day differences in snow forecasts. This is part of the fun and frustration that makes snow forecasting so interesting.

[edit] Other Snow FAQ

• How big can snowflakes get?
• Why is snow white?
• Is it ever too cold to snow?
• When is it too warm to snow?
• How does snow form if the ground temperature is above freezing?
• Why do weather forecasters seem to have so much trouble forecasting snow?
• Why does snow crunch when you step on it and at what temperature does it crunch?
• Does snow change how sound waves travel?

or see Snow and Weather Glossary

[edit] Also See

[edit] Reference;

1. National Snow and Ice Data Center [1]

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